diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index c4bd738..59123a8 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -13,7 +13,8 @@
         "next-auth": "^5.0.0-beta.30",
         "react": "19.2.3",
         "react-dom": "19.2.3",
-        "react-select": "^5.10.2"
+        "react-select": "^5.10.2",
+        "socket.io-client": "^4.8.3"
       },
       "devDependencies": {
         "@tailwindcss/postcss": "^4",
@@ -1414,6 +1415,12 @@
       "dev": true,
       "license": "MIT"
     },
+    "node_modules/@socket.io/component-emitter": {
+      "version": "3.1.2",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@socket.io/component-emitter/-/component-emitter-3.1.2.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-9BCxFwvbGg/RsZK9tjXd8s4UcwR0MWeFQ1XEKIQVVvAGJyINdrqKMcTRyLoK8Rse1GjzLV9cwjWV1olXRWEXVA==",
+      "license": "MIT"
+    },
     "node_modules/@swc/helpers": {
       "version": "0.5.15",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@swc/helpers/-/helpers-0.5.15.tgz",
@@ -3076,6 +3083,28 @@
       "dev": true,
       "license": "MIT"
     },
+    "node_modules/engine.io-client": {
+      "version": "6.6.4",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/engine.io-client/-/engine.io-client-6.6.4.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-+kjUJnZGwzewFDw951CDWcwj35vMNf2fcj7xQWOctq1F2i1jkDdVvdFG9kM/BEChymCH36KgjnW0NsL58JYRxw==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "@socket.io/component-emitter": "~3.1.0",
+        "debug": "~4.4.1",
+        "engine.io-parser": "~5.2.1",
+        "ws": "~8.18.3",
+        "xmlhttprequest-ssl": "~2.1.1"
+      }
+    },
+    "node_modules/engine.io-parser": {
+      "version": "5.2.3",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/engine.io-parser/-/engine.io-parser-5.2.3.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-HqD3yTBfnBxIrbnM1DoD6Pcq8NECnh8d4As1Qgh0z5Gg3jRRIqijury0CL3ghu/edArpUYiYqQiDUQBIs4np3Q==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "engines": {
+        "node": ">=10.0.0"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/enhanced-resolve": {
       "version": "5.18.4",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/enhanced-resolve/-/enhanced-resolve-5.18.4.tgz",
@@ -6304,6 +6333,34 @@
         "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/ljharb"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/socket.io-client": {
+      "version": "4.8.3",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/socket.io-client/-/socket.io-client-4.8.3.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-uP0bpjWrjQmUt5DTHq9RuoCBdFJF10cdX9X+a368j/Ft0wmaVgxlrjvK3kjvgCODOMMOz9lcaRzxmso0bTWZ/g==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "@socket.io/component-emitter": "~3.1.0",
+        "debug": "~4.4.1",
+        "engine.io-client": "~6.6.1",
+        "socket.io-parser": "~4.2.4"
+      },
+      "engines": {
+        "node": ">=10.0.0"
+      }
+    },
+    "node_modules/socket.io-parser": {
+      "version": "4.2.5",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/socket.io-parser/-/socket.io-parser-4.2.5.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-bPMmpy/5WWKHea5Y/jYAP6k74A+hvmRCQaJuJB6I/ML5JZq/KfNieUVo/3Mh7SAqn7TyFdIo6wqYHInG1MU1bQ==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "@socket.io/component-emitter": "~3.1.0",
+        "debug": "~4.4.1"
+      },
+      "engines": {
+        "node": ">=10.0.0"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/source-map": {
       "version": "0.5.7",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/source-map/-/source-map-0.5.7.tgz",
@@ -7002,6 +7059,35 @@
         "node": ">=0.10.0"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/ws": {
+      "version": "8.18.3",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/ws/-/ws-8.18.3.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-PEIGCY5tSlUt50cqyMXfCzX+oOPqN0vuGqWzbcJ2xvnkzkq46oOpz7dQaTDBdfICb4N14+GARUDw2XV2N4tvzg==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "engines": {
+        "node": ">=10.0.0"
+      },
+      "peerDependencies": {
+        "bufferutil": "^4.0.1",
+        "utf-8-validate": ">=5.0.2"
+      },
+      "peerDependenciesMeta": {
+        "bufferutil": {
+          "optional": true
+        },
+        "utf-8-validate": {
+          "optional": true
+        }
+      }
+    },
+    "node_modules/xmlhttprequest-ssl": {
+      "version": "2.1.2",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/xmlhttprequest-ssl/-/xmlhttprequest-ssl-2.1.2.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-TEU+nJVUUnA4CYJFLvK5X9AOeH4KvDvhIfm0vV1GaQRtchnG0hgK5p8hw/xjv8cunWYCsiPCSDzObPyhEwq3KQ==",
+      "engines": {
+        "node": ">=0.4.0"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/yallist": {
       "version": "3.1.1",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/yallist/-/yallist-3.1.1.tgz",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index e849246..346d077 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   "version": "0.1.0",
   "private": true,
   "scripts": {
-    "dev": "next dev",
+    "dev": "NODE_OPTIONS='--max-old-space-size=4096' next dev",
     "build": "next build",
     "start": "next start",
     "lint": "eslint"
@@ -14,7 +14,8 @@
     "next-auth": "^5.0.0-beta.30",
     "react": "19.2.3",
     "react-dom": "19.2.3",
-    "react-select": "^5.10.2"
+    "react-select": "^5.10.2",
+    "socket.io-client": "^4.8.3"
   },
   "devDependencies": {
     "@tailwindcss/postcss": "^4",
diff --git a/src/components/layout/CommonHeader.tsx b/src/components/layout/CommonHeader.tsx
index 78ad5e6..3362f79 100644
--- a/src/components/layout/CommonHeader.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layout/CommonHeader.tsx
@@ -165,7 +165,8 @@ export function CommonHeader() {
                         alt="Profile"
                         width={35}
                         height={35}
-                        className="w-full h-full object-cover"
+                        className="object-cover"
+                        style={{ width: '100%', height: '100%' }}
                       />
                     )}
                   </div>
@@ -201,7 +202,8 @@ export function CommonHeader() {
                             alt="Profile"
                             width={42}
                             height={42}
-                            className="w-full h-full object-cover"
+                            className="object-cover"
+                            style={{ width: '100%', height: '100%' }}
                           />
                         )}
                       </div>
diff --git a/src/components/message/ChatHeader.tsx b/src/components/message/ChatHeader.tsx
index a2333be..c41739d 100644
--- a/src/components/message/ChatHeader.tsx
+++ b/src/components/message/ChatHeader.tsx
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ interface ChatHeaderProps {
   isOnline?: boolean;
   pronouns?: string;
   expertise?: string[];
+  isTyping?: boolean;
+  typingText?: string;
 }
 
 export function ChatHeader({
@@ -20,6 +22,8 @@ export function ChatHeader({
   isOnline = false,
   pronouns,
   expertise = [],
+  isTyping = false,
+  typingText,
 }: ChatHeaderProps) {
   return (
     <div className="border-b border-[#00293d]/10 pb-4">
@@ -34,7 +38,11 @@ export function ChatHeader({
             {role}
           </span>
           <span className="font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px] text-[#00293D]">
-            {lastSeen}
+            {isTyping ? (
+              <span className="text-[#e58625] italic">{typingText}</span>
+            ) : (
+              lastSeen
+            )}
           </span>
         </div>
         <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
@@ -67,7 +75,8 @@ export function ChatHeader({
               alt={name}
               width={50}
               height={50}
-              className="w-full h-full object-cover rounded-full"
+              className="object-cover rounded-full"
+              style={{ width: '100%', height: '100%' }}
             />
           </div>
           {isOnline && (
diff --git a/src/components/message/MessageInput.tsx b/src/components/message/MessageInput.tsx
index 9cff087..1a16032 100644
--- a/src/components/message/MessageInput.tsx
+++ b/src/components/message/MessageInput.tsx
@@ -1,17 +1,64 @@
 'use client';
 
 import Image from 'next/image';
-import { useState } from 'react';
+import { useState, useRef, useEffect, useCallback } from 'react';
 
 interface MessageInputProps {
   onSend?: (message: string) => void;
+  onTypingStart?: () => void;
+  onTypingStop?: () => void;
 }
 
-export function MessageInput({ onSend }: MessageInputProps) {
+export function MessageInput({ onSend, onTypingStart, onTypingStop }: MessageInputProps) {
   const [message, setMessage] = useState('');
+  const typingTimeoutRef = useRef<NodeJS.Timeout | null>(null);
+  const isTypingRef = useRef(false);
+
+  // Handle typing indicator
+  const handleTyping = useCallback(() => {
+    // Start typing indicator
+    if (!isTypingRef.current && onTypingStart) {
+      isTypingRef.current = true;
+      onTypingStart();
+    }
+
+    // Clear existing timeout
+    if (typingTimeoutRef.current) {
+      clearTimeout(typingTimeoutRef.current);
+    }
+
+    // Set timeout to stop typing indicator after 2 seconds of inactivity
+    typingTimeoutRef.current = setTimeout(() => {
+      if (isTypingRef.current && onTypingStop) {
+        isTypingRef.current = false;
+        onTypingStop();
+      }
+    }, 2000);
+  }, [onTypingStart, onTypingStop]);
+
+  // Cleanup on unmount
+  useEffect(() => {
+    return () => {
+      if (typingTimeoutRef.current) {
+        clearTimeout(typingTimeoutRef.current);
+      }
+      if (isTypingRef.current && onTypingStop) {
+        onTypingStop();
+      }
+    };
+  }, [onTypingStop]);
 
   const handleSend = () => {
     if (message.trim() && onSend) {
+      // Stop typing indicator before sending
+      if (typingTimeoutRef.current) {
+        clearTimeout(typingTimeoutRef.current);
+      }
+      if (isTypingRef.current && onTypingStop) {
+        isTypingRef.current = false;
+        onTypingStop();
+      }
+
       onSend(message.trim());
       setMessage('');
     }
@@ -24,13 +71,18 @@ export function MessageInput({ onSend }: MessageInputProps) {
     }
   };
 
+  const handleChange = (e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLTextAreaElement>) => {
+    setMessage(e.target.value);
+    handleTyping();
+  };
+
   return (
     <div className="border border-[#00293d]/10 rounded-[20px] bg-white p-4">
       {/* Text input area */}
       <div className="border border-[#00293d]/10 rounded-[20px] p-4 mb-3">
         <textarea
           value={message}
-          onChange={(e) => setMessage(e.target.value)}
+          onChange={handleChange}
           onKeyDown={handleKeyDown}
           placeholder="Write a Message........"
           className="w-full min-h-[120px] resize-none font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px] text-[#00293D] placeholder-[#00293D]/50 focus:outline-none"
@@ -79,7 +131,12 @@ export function MessageInput({ onSend }: MessageInputProps) {
         <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
           <button
             onClick={handleSend}
-            className="px-4 py-1.5 bg-[#e58625] text-[#00293d] font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px] rounded-[15px] hover:bg-[#d47720] transition-colors cursor-pointer"
+            disabled={!message.trim()}
+            className={`px-4 py-1.5 font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px] rounded-[15px] transition-colors cursor-pointer ${
+              message.trim()
+                ? 'bg-[#e58625] text-[#00293d] hover:bg-[#d47720]'
+                : 'bg-[#e58625]/50 text-[#00293d]/50 cursor-not-allowed'
+            }`}
           >
             Send
           </button>
diff --git a/src/components/message/MessagingPage.tsx b/src/components/message/MessagingPage.tsx
index be20701..4616f24 100644
--- a/src/components/message/MessagingPage.tsx
+++ b/src/components/message/MessagingPage.tsx
@@ -1,9 +1,26 @@
 'use client';
 
-import { useState, useRef, useEffect } from 'react';
+import { useState, useRef, useEffect, useCallback } from 'react';
 import Image from 'next/image';
+import { useSession } from 'next-auth/react';
 import { ChatHeader } from './ChatHeader';
 import { MessageInput } from './MessageInput';
+import { useMessaging } from '@/hooks/useMessaging';
+import { connectionRequestsService, type ConnectionRequest } from '@/services/connection-requests.service';
+import { uploadService } from '@/services/upload.service';
+import type { Conversation, Message } from '@/types/messaging';
+
+// Helper to get a valid avatar URL (must start with http://, https://, or /)
+function getValidAvatarUrl(avatar: string | null | undefined): string {
+  const placeholder = '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg';
+  if (!avatar) return placeholder;
+  // Check if it's a valid URL format
+  if (avatar.startsWith('http://') || avatar.startsWith('https://') || avatar.startsWith('/')) {
+    return avatar;
+  }
+  // Invalid URL format (like raw storage key), use placeholder
+  return placeholder;
+}
 
 // Custom scrollbar styles
 const customScrollbarStyles = `
@@ -22,229 +39,251 @@ const customScrollbarStyles = `
   }
 `;
 
-// Types
-interface Conversation {
-  id: string;
+// Helper to format date for conversation list
+function formatConversationDate(dateString: string | null): string {
+  if (!dateString) return '';
+  const date = new Date(dateString);
+  const now = new Date();
+  const diffDays = Math.floor((now.getTime() - date.getTime()) / (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24));
+
+  if (diffDays === 0) {
+    return date.toLocaleTimeString('en-US', { hour: 'numeric', minute: '2-digit' });
+  } else if (diffDays === 1) {
+    return 'Yesterday';
+  } else if (diffDays < 7) {
+    return date.toLocaleDateString('en-US', { weekday: 'short' });
+  } else {
+    return date.toLocaleDateString('en-US', { month: 'short', day: 'numeric' });
+  }
+}
+
+// Helper to format message timestamp
+function formatMessageTime(dateString: string): string {
+  const date = new Date(dateString);
+  return date.toLocaleTimeString('en-US', { hour: 'numeric', minute: '2-digit' });
+}
+
+// Helper to get last seen text
+function formatLastSeen(lastSeenAt: string | null | undefined, isOnline: boolean): string {
+  if (isOnline) return 'Online';
+  if (!lastSeenAt) return 'Offline';
+
+  const date = new Date(lastSeenAt);
+  const now = new Date();
+  const diffHours = Math.floor((now.getTime() - date.getTime()) / (1000 * 60 * 60));
+
+  if (diffHours < 1) return 'Last seen recently';
+  if (diffHours < 24) return `${diffHours}h ago`;
+  const diffDays = Math.floor(diffHours / 24);
+  if (diffDays === 1) return 'Last seen yesterday';
+  return `Last seen ${diffDays}d ago`;
+}
+
+// Connected agent with avatar URL
+interface ConnectedAgent {
+  agentProfileId: string;
   name: string;
-  avatar: string;
-  lastMessage: string;
-  date: string;
-  isOnline: boolean;
+  avatar: string | null;
+  avatarUrl: string | null;
+  headline: string | null;
+  city: string | null;
+  state: string | null;
 }
 
-interface Message {
-  id: string;
-  senderId: string;
-  text: string;
-  timestamp: string;
-  isOwn: boolean;
-}
+export function MessagingPage() {
+  const { data: session } = useSession();
+  const {
+    conversations,
+    currentConversation,
+    messages,
+    isConnected,
+    isLoading,
+    isLoadingMessages,
+    typingUsers,
+    selectConversation,
+    sendMessage,
+    startTyping,
+    stopTyping,
+    loadMoreMessages,
+    hasMoreMessages,
+    startConversation,
+  } = useMessaging();
 
-interface SelectedUser {
-  name: string;
-  role: string;
-  lastSeen: string;
-  avatar: string;
-  isOnline: boolean;
-  pronouns?: string;
-  expertise?: string[];
-}
-
-interface MessagingPageProps {
-  conversations?: Conversation[];
-  messages?: Message[];
-  selectedUser?: SelectedUser;
-}
-
-// Mock data for conversations
-const defaultConversations: Conversation[] = [
-  {
-    id: '1',
-    name: 'Pradeep Ram',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.',
-    date: 'Dec 4',
-    isOnline: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '2',
-    name: 'Pradeep',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.',
-    date: 'Dec 4',
-    isOnline: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '3',
-    name: 'Gokulraj',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.',
-    date: 'Dec 4',
-    isOnline: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '4',
-    name: 'Suriya s',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.',
-    date: 'Dec 4',
-    isOnline: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '5',
-    name: 'Sanjay',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.',
-    date: 'Dec 4',
-    isOnline: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '6',
-    name: 'Pradeep Ram',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.',
-    date: 'Dec 4',
-    isOnline: false,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '7',
-    name: 'Rahul Kumar',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'Thanks for your help with the property listing!',
-    date: 'Dec 3',
-    isOnline: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '8',
-    name: 'Anita Singh',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'Can we schedule a viewing for tomorrow?',
-    date: 'Dec 3',
-    isOnline: false,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '9',
-    name: 'Vikram Patel',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'The documents have been submitted.',
-    date: 'Dec 2',
-    isOnline: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '10',
-    name: 'Meera Sharma',
-    avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-    lastMessage: 'Looking forward to our meeting next week.',
-    date: 'Dec 2',
-    isOnline: false,
-  },
-];
-
-// Mock data for selected user
-const defaultSelectedUser: SelectedUser = {
-  name: 'Pradeep Ram',
-  role: 'Advisor',
-  lastSeen: '21h Ago',
-  avatar: '/assets/icons/user-placeholder-icon.svg',
-  isOnline: true,
-  pronouns: 'He/Him',
-  expertise: ['Sales', 'Analytics', 'Inspection', 'Residential', 'Commercial'],
-};
-
-// Mock messages data
-const defaultMessages: Message[] = [
-  {
-    id: '1',
-    senderId: '1',
-    text: 'Hi! I saw your profile and I think you might be a great fit for what I\'m looking for.',
-    timestamp: '10:30 AM',
-    isOwn: false,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '2',
-    senderId: 'me',
-    text: 'Hello! Thank you for reaching out. I\'d be happy to help. What kind of property are you looking for?',
-    timestamp: '10:32 AM',
-    isOwn: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '3',
-    senderId: '1',
-    text: 'I\'m looking for a residential property in the downtown area. Preferably a 3-bedroom apartment with modern amenities.',
-    timestamp: '10:35 AM',
-    isOwn: false,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '4',
-    senderId: 'me',
-    text: 'That sounds great! I have several listings that might interest you. Do you have a specific budget range in mind?',
-    timestamp: '10:38 AM',
-    isOwn: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '5',
-    senderId: '1',
-    text: 'My budget is around $500,000 to $700,000. I\'m also interested in properties with good investment potential.',
-    timestamp: '10:40 AM',
-    isOwn: false,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '6',
-    senderId: 'me',
-    text: 'Perfect! I have a few properties in that range. Would you like to schedule a viewing this weekend?',
-    timestamp: '10:42 AM',
-    isOwn: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '7',
-    senderId: '1',
-    text: 'Yes, that would be great! Saturday afternoon works best for me.',
-    timestamp: '10:45 AM',
-    isOwn: false,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '8',
-    senderId: 'me',
-    text: 'Saturday at 2 PM works for me. I\'ll send you the addresses and details of the properties we\'ll be visiting.',
-    timestamp: '10:48 AM',
-    isOwn: true,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '9',
-    senderId: '1',
-    text: 'Sounds perfect! Looking forward to it. Thank you for your quick response.',
-    timestamp: '10:50 AM',
-    isOwn: false,
-  },
-  {
-    id: '10',
-    senderId: 'me',
-    text: 'You\'re welcome! See you on Saturday. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions before then.',
-    timestamp: '10:52 AM',
-    isOwn: true,
-  },
-];
-
-export function MessagingPage({
-  conversations = defaultConversations,
-  messages = defaultMessages,
-  selectedUser = defaultSelectedUser,
-}: MessagingPageProps) {
-  const [selectedConversation, setSelectedConversation] = useState<string | null>('1');
   const [searchQuery, setSearchQuery] = useState('');
   const [showScrollButton, setShowScrollButton] = useState(false);
+  const [connectedAgents, setConnectedAgents] = useState<ConnectedAgent[]>([]);
+  const [isLoadingAgents, setIsLoadingAgents] = useState(false);
+  const [isStartingConversation, setIsStartingConversation] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  // Store converted avatar URLs by conversation ID
+  const [conversationAvatarUrls, setConversationAvatarUrls] = useState<Record<string, string>>({});
   const messagesContainerRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
+  const messagesEndRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
 
-  const handleSendMessage = (message: string) => {
-    console.log('Sending message:', message);
-    // In production, this would send the message to the API
-  };
+  const currentUserId = session?.user?.id;
+  const userRole = session?.user?.role;
 
+  // Fetch connected users/agents (accepted connections) based on role
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const fetchConnectedContacts = async () => {
+      if (!session || !userRole) return;
+
+      setIsLoadingAgents(true);
+      try {
+        // USER sees agents, AGENT sees users
+        if (userRole === 'USER') {
+          const requests = await connectionRequestsService.getMyRequests('ACCEPTED');
+
+          // Map to connected agents with avatar URLs
+          const agents: ConnectedAgent[] = await Promise.all(
+            requests.map(async (req) => {
+              const agent = req.agentProfile;
+              let avatarUrl: string | null = null;
+
+              if (agent?.avatar) {
+                try {
+                  avatarUrl = await uploadService.getPresignedDownloadUrl(agent.avatar);
+                } catch {
+                  avatarUrl = null;
+                }
+              }
+
+              return {
+                agentProfileId: req.agentProfileId,
+                name: agent ? `${agent.firstName || ''} ${agent.lastName || ''}`.trim() || 'Agent' : 'Agent',
+                avatar: agent?.avatar || null,
+                avatarUrl,
+                headline: agent?.headline || null,
+                city: agent?.city || null,
+                state: agent?.state || null,
+              };
+            })
+          );
+
+          setConnectedAgents(agents);
+        } else {
+          // For AGENT role - they don't start conversations, they receive them
+          // So we don't need to show a list to start conversations
+          setConnectedAgents([]);
+        }
+      } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Failed to fetch connected contacts:', error);
+        setConnectedAgents([]);
+      } finally {
+        setIsLoadingAgents(false);
+      }
+    };
+
+    fetchConnectedContacts();
+  }, [session, userRole]);
+
+  // Convert conversation avatar storage keys to presigned URLs
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const convertAvatarUrls = async () => {
+      const newAvatarUrls: Record<string, string> = {};
+
+      for (const conversation of conversations) {
+        const avatar = conversation.otherParty?.avatar;
+        if (!avatar) continue;
+
+        // Skip if already converted or if it's already a valid URL
+        if (conversationAvatarUrls[conversation.id]) {
+          newAvatarUrls[conversation.id] = conversationAvatarUrls[conversation.id];
+          continue;
+        }
+
+        // Check if it's already a valid URL format
+        if (avatar.startsWith('http://') || avatar.startsWith('https://') || avatar.startsWith('/')) {
+          newAvatarUrls[conversation.id] = avatar;
+          continue;
+        }
+
+        // Convert storage key to presigned URL
+        try {
+          const presignedUrl = await uploadService.getPresignedDownloadUrl(avatar);
+          newAvatarUrls[conversation.id] = presignedUrl;
+        } catch {
+          // Keep as null/undefined if conversion fails
+        }
+      }
+
+      if (Object.keys(newAvatarUrls).length > 0) {
+        setConversationAvatarUrls(prev => ({ ...prev, ...newAvatarUrls }));
+      }
+    };
+
+    if (conversations.length > 0) {
+      convertAvatarUrls();
+    }
+  }, [conversations]);
+
+  // Convert current conversation avatar when selected
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const convertCurrentAvatar = async () => {
+      if (!currentConversation) return;
+
+      const avatar = currentConversation.otherParty?.avatar;
+      if (!avatar) return;
+
+      // Skip if already converted
+      if (conversationAvatarUrls[currentConversation.id]) return;
+
+      // Check if it's already a valid URL format
+      if (avatar.startsWith('http://') || avatar.startsWith('https://') || avatar.startsWith('/')) {
+        setConversationAvatarUrls(prev => ({ ...prev, [currentConversation.id]: avatar }));
+        return;
+      }
+
+      // Convert storage key to presigned URL
+      try {
+        const presignedUrl = await uploadService.getPresignedDownloadUrl(avatar);
+        setConversationAvatarUrls(prev => ({ ...prev, [currentConversation.id]: presignedUrl }));
+      } catch {
+        // Keep as null/undefined if conversion fails
+      }
+    };
+
+    convertCurrentAvatar();
+  }, [currentConversation]);
+
+  // Handle starting a new conversation with an agent
+  const handleStartConversation = useCallback(async (agentProfileId: string) => {
+    setIsStartingConversation(agentProfileId);
+    try {
+      const conversation = await startConversation(agentProfileId);
+      await selectConversation(conversation.id);
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error('Failed to start conversation:', error);
+    } finally {
+      setIsStartingConversation(null);
+    }
+  }, [startConversation, selectConversation]);
+
+  // Handle sending a message
+  const handleSendMessage = useCallback(async (content: string) => {
+    if (!content.trim()) return;
+    await sendMessage(content);
+  }, [sendMessage]);
+
+  // Handle typing events
+  const handleTypingStart = useCallback(() => {
+    startTyping();
+  }, [startTyping]);
+
+  const handleTypingStop = useCallback(() => {
+    stopTyping();
+  }, [stopTyping]);
+
+  // Handle scroll events
   const handleScroll = () => {
     if (messagesContainerRef.current) {
       const { scrollTop, scrollHeight, clientHeight } = messagesContainerRef.current;
       // Show button if not at bottom (with 100px threshold)
       setShowScrollButton(scrollHeight - scrollTop - clientHeight > 100);
+
+      // Load more messages when scrolled to top
+      if (scrollTop === 0 && hasMoreMessages && !isLoadingMessages) {
+        loadMoreMessages();
+      }
     }
   };
 
@@ -257,15 +296,47 @@ export function MessagingPage({
     }
   };
 
+  // Scroll to bottom when new message arrives or conversation changes
   useEffect(() => {
-    // Scroll to bottom on initial load
     scrollToBottom();
-  }, [selectedConversation]);
+  }, [currentConversation?.id]);
 
+  // Scroll to bottom when new messages are added (not when loading more)
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (messages.length > 0) {
+      const lastMessage = messages[messages.length - 1];
+      const isVeryRecent = new Date().getTime() - new Date(lastMessage.createdAt).getTime() < 2000;
+      if (isVeryRecent) {
+        scrollToBottom();
+      }
+    }
+  }, [messages]);
+
+  // Filter conversations by search
   const filteredConversations = conversations.filter((conv) =>
-    conv.name.toLowerCase().includes(searchQuery.toLowerCase())
+    conv.otherParty?.name?.toLowerCase().includes(searchQuery.toLowerCase())
   );
 
+  // Build selected user info for ChatHeader
+  const selectedUserInfo = currentConversation ? {
+    name: currentConversation.otherParty?.name || 'Unknown',
+    role: currentConversation.otherParty?.headline || 'Agent',
+    lastSeen: formatLastSeen(currentConversation.otherParty?.lastSeenAt, currentConversation.otherParty?.isOnline),
+    avatar: getValidAvatarUrl(conversationAvatarUrls[currentConversation.id]),
+    isOnline: currentConversation.otherParty?.isOnline || false,
+  } : null;
+
+  // Get typing user names
+  const typingUserNames = Array.from(typingUsers)
+    .filter(userId => userId !== currentUserId)
+    .map(userId => {
+      // The other party is typing
+      if (currentConversation?.otherParty.userId === userId || currentConversation?.otherParty.id === userId) {
+        return currentConversation.otherParty.name.split(' ')[0];
+      }
+      return 'Someone';
+    });
+
   return (
     <>
       <style>{customScrollbarStyles}</style>
@@ -276,6 +347,14 @@ export function MessagingPage({
             Messaging
           </h1>
 
+          {/* Connection status indicator */}
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+            <span
+              className={`w-2 h-2 rounded-full ${isConnected ? 'bg-green-500' : 'bg-gray-400'}`}
+              title={isConnected ? 'Connected' : 'Disconnected'}
+            />
+          </div>
+
           {/* Search bar */}
           <div className="flex-1 max-w-[600px]">
             <div className="flex items-center gap-2 border border-[#00293d]/10 rounded-[15px] px-4 py-2">
@@ -320,97 +399,238 @@ export function MessagingPage({
         <div className="flex h-[700px]">
           {/* Left sidebar - Conversation list */}
           <div className="w-[380px] border-r border-[#00293d]/10 flex-shrink-0 overflow-hidden flex flex-col">
-            <div className="flex-1 overflow-y-auto p-2 space-y-2 custom-scrollbar">
-              {filteredConversations.map((conversation) => (
-                <div
-                  key={conversation.id}
-                  onClick={() => setSelectedConversation(conversation.id)}
-                  className="relative flex items-start gap-3 p-4 rounded-[15px] cursor-pointer transition-colors hover:bg-[#00293d]/5"
-                  style={{ border: '1px solid rgba(0, 41, 61, 0.1)' }}
-                >
-                  {/* Active indicator line */}
-                  {selectedConversation === conversation.id && (
-                    <div className="absolute left-0 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 w-[4px] h-[70px] bg-[#E58625] rounded-r-[4px]" />
-                  )}
-                  {/* Avatar with online indicator */}
-                  <div className="relative flex-shrink-0">
-                    <div className="w-[70px] h-[70px] rounded-full overflow-hidden border border-[#00293D]/20">
-                      <Image
-                        src={conversation.avatar}
-                        alt={conversation.name}
-                        width={70}
-                        height={70}
-                        className="w-full h-full object-cover rounded-full"
-                      />
-                    </div>
-                    {conversation.isOnline && (
-                      <div className="absolute bottom-1 right-1 w-3 h-3 bg-green-500 rounded-full border-2 border-white" />
-                    )}
-                  </div>
-
-                  {/* Content */}
-                  <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
-                    <p className="font-fractul font-medium text-[14px] leading-[17px] text-[#00293D] mb-1">
-                      {conversation.name}
-                    </p>
-                    <p className="font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px] text-[#00293D] line-clamp-2">
-                      {conversation.lastMessage}
-                    </p>
-                  </div>
-
-                  {/* Date */}
-                  <p className="font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px] text-[#00293D] flex-shrink-0">
-                    {conversation.date}
+            {isLoading || isLoadingAgents ? (
+              <div className="flex-1 flex items-center justify-center">
+                <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-8 w-8 border-b-2 border-[#00293d]" />
+              </div>
+            ) : filteredConversations.length === 0 ? (
+              /* Show connected agents when no conversations */
+              <div className="flex-1 flex flex-col">
+                {/* Header for connected agents */}
+                <div className="p-4 border-b border-[#00293d]/10">
+                  <p className="font-serif font-normal text-[14px] text-[#00293D]/50 text-center">
+                    {searchQuery ? 'No conversations found' : 'No conversations yet. Start a conversation with an agent!'}
                   </p>
                 </div>
-              ))}
-            </div>
+
+                {/* List of connected agents */}
+                {connectedAgents.length > 0 ? (
+                  <div className="flex-1 overflow-y-auto p-2 space-y-2 custom-scrollbar">
+                    <p className="px-2 py-1 font-fractul font-medium text-[12px] text-[#00293D]/70 uppercase tracking-wide">
+                      Your Connected Agents
+                    </p>
+                    {connectedAgents
+                      .filter((agent) =>
+                        agent.name.toLowerCase().includes(searchQuery.toLowerCase())
+                      )
+                      .map((agent) => (
+                        <button
+                          key={agent.agentProfileId}
+                          onClick={() => handleStartConversation(agent.agentProfileId)}
+                          disabled={isStartingConversation === agent.agentProfileId}
+                          className="w-full flex items-center gap-3 p-4 rounded-[15px] cursor-pointer transition-colors hover:bg-[#00293d]/5 disabled:opacity-50"
+                          style={{ border: '1px solid rgba(0, 41, 61, 0.1)' }}
+                        >
+                          {/* Avatar */}
+                          <div className="relative flex-shrink-0">
+                            <div className="w-[50px] h-[50px] rounded-full overflow-hidden border border-[#00293D]/20">
+                              <Image
+                                src={getValidAvatarUrl(agent.avatarUrl)}
+                                alt={agent.name}
+                                width={50}
+                                height={50}
+                                className="object-cover rounded-full"
+                                style={{ width: '100%', height: '100%' }}
+                              />
+                            </div>
+                          </div>
+
+                          {/* Agent Info */}
+                          <div className="flex-1 min-w-0 text-left">
+                            <p className="font-fractul font-medium text-[14px] leading-[17px] text-[#00293D]">
+                              {agent.name}
+                            </p>
+                            {agent.headline && (
+                              <p className="font-serif font-normal text-[12px] leading-[16px] text-[#00293D]/70 truncate">
+                                {agent.headline}
+                              </p>
+                            )}
+                            {(agent.city || agent.state) && (
+                              <p className="font-serif font-normal text-[12px] leading-[16px] text-[#00293D]/50">
+                                {[agent.city, agent.state].filter(Boolean).join(', ')}
+                              </p>
+                            )}
+                          </div>
+
+                          {/* Start conversation indicator */}
+                          <div className="flex-shrink-0">
+                            {isStartingConversation === agent.agentProfileId ? (
+                              <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-5 w-5 border-b-2 border-[#e58625]" />
+                            ) : (
+                              <div className="w-8 h-8 rounded-full bg-[#e58625]/10 flex items-center justify-center">
+                                <Image
+                                  src="/assets/icons/message-icon.svg"
+                                  alt="Start chat"
+                                  width={16}
+                                  height={16}
+                                  className="opacity-70"
+                                />
+                              </div>
+                            )}
+                          </div>
+                        </button>
+                      ))}
+                  </div>
+                ) : (
+                  <div className="flex-1 flex items-center justify-center text-[#00293D]/50 font-serif p-4 text-center">
+                    <p>No connected agents yet. Connect with agents to start messaging!</p>
+                  </div>
+                )}
+              </div>
+            ) : (
+              <div className="flex-1 overflow-y-auto p-2 space-y-2 custom-scrollbar">
+                {filteredConversations.map((conversation) => (
+                  <div
+                    key={conversation.id}
+                    onClick={() => selectConversation(conversation.id)}
+                    className="relative flex items-start gap-3 p-4 rounded-[15px] cursor-pointer transition-colors hover:bg-[#00293d]/5"
+                    style={{ border: '1px solid rgba(0, 41, 61, 0.1)' }}
+                  >
+                    {/* Active indicator line */}
+                    {currentConversation?.id === conversation.id && (
+                      <div className="absolute left-0 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 w-[4px] h-[70px] bg-[#E58625] rounded-r-[4px]" />
+                    )}
+
+                    {/* Avatar with online indicator */}
+                    <div className="relative flex-shrink-0">
+                      <div className="w-[70px] h-[70px] rounded-full overflow-hidden border border-[#00293D]/20">
+                        <Image
+                          src={getValidAvatarUrl(conversationAvatarUrls[conversation.id])}
+                          alt={conversation.otherParty?.name || 'User'}
+                          width={70}
+                          height={70}
+                          className="object-cover rounded-full"
+                          style={{ width: '100%', height: '100%' }}
+                        />
+                      </div>
+                      {conversation.otherParty?.isOnline && (
+                        <div className="absolute bottom-1 right-1 w-3 h-3 bg-green-500 rounded-full border-2 border-white" />
+                      )}
+                    </div>
+
+                    {/* Content */}
+                    <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
+                      <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mb-1">
+                        <p className="font-fractul font-medium text-[14px] leading-[17px] text-[#00293D]">
+                          {conversation.otherParty?.name || 'Unknown'}
+                        </p>
+                        {conversation.unreadCount > 0 && (
+                          <span className="bg-[#e58625] text-white text-xs font-bold px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full min-w-[20px] text-center">
+                            {conversation.unreadCount}
+                          </span>
+                        )}
+                      </div>
+                      <p className="font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px] text-[#00293D] line-clamp-2">
+                        {conversation.lastMessageText || 'No messages yet'}
+                      </p>
+                    </div>
+
+                    {/* Date */}
+                    <p className="font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px] text-[#00293D] flex-shrink-0">
+                      {formatConversationDate(conversation.lastMessageAt)}
+                    </p>
+                  </div>
+                ))}
+              </div>
+            )}
           </div>
 
           {/* Right panel - Chat area */}
           <div className="flex-1 flex flex-col p-4">
-            {selectedConversation ? (
+            {currentConversation && selectedUserInfo ? (
               <>
                 {/* Chat header */}
-                <ChatHeader {...selectedUser} />
+                <ChatHeader
+                  {...selectedUserInfo}
+                  isTyping={typingUserNames.length > 0}
+                  typingText={typingUserNames.length > 0 ? `${typingUserNames.join(', ')} is typing...` : undefined}
+                />
 
                 {/* Messages area wrapper */}
                 <div className="flex-1 relative">
-                  <div
-                    ref={messagesContainerRef}
-                    onScroll={handleScroll}
-                    className="absolute inset-0 overflow-y-auto py-4 custom-scrollbar"
-                  >
-                    <div className="space-y-4 px-2">
-                      {messages.map((message) => (
-                        <div
-                          key={message.id}
-                          className={`flex ${message.isOwn ? 'justify-end' : 'justify-start'}`}
-                        >
-                          <div
-                            className={`max-w-[70%] rounded-[15px] px-4 py-3 ${
-                              message.isOwn
-                                ? 'bg-[#e58625] text-[#00293D]'
-                                : 'bg-[#00293d]/10 text-[#00293D]'
-                            }`}
-                          >
-                            <p className="font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px]">
-                              {message.text}
-                            </p>
-                            <p
-                              className={`font-serif font-normal text-[12px] leading-[16px] mt-1 ${
-                                message.isOwn ? 'text-[#00293D]/70' : 'text-[#00293D]/50'
-                              }`}
-                            >
-                              {message.timestamp}
-                            </p>
-                          </div>
-                        </div>
-                      ))}
+                  {isLoadingMessages && messages.length === 0 ? (
+                    <div className="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center">
+                      <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-8 w-8 border-b-2 border-[#00293d]" />
                     </div>
-                  </div>
+                  ) : (
+                    <div
+                      ref={messagesContainerRef}
+                      onScroll={handleScroll}
+                      className="absolute inset-0 overflow-y-auto py-4 custom-scrollbar"
+                    >
+                      {/* Load more indicator */}
+                      {isLoadingMessages && messages.length > 0 && (
+                        <div className="flex justify-center py-2">
+                          <div className="animate-spin rounded-full h-5 w-5 border-b-2 border-[#00293d]" />
+                        </div>
+                      )}
 
-                  {/* Scroll to bottom button - only shows when scrolled up */}
+                      <div className="space-y-4 px-2">
+                        {messages.map((message) => {
+                          const isOwn = message.senderId === currentUserId;
+                          return (
+                            <div
+                              key={message.id}
+                              className={`flex ${isOwn ? 'justify-end' : 'justify-start'}`}
+                            >
+                              <div
+                                className={`max-w-[70%] rounded-[15px] px-4 py-3 ${
+                                  isOwn
+                                    ? 'bg-[#e58625] text-[#00293D]'
+                                    : 'bg-[#00293d]/10 text-[#00293D]'
+                                }`}
+                              >
+                                <p className="font-serif font-normal text-[14px] leading-[19px]">
+                                  {message.content}
+                                </p>
+                                <div className={`flex items-center gap-2 mt-1 ${isOwn ? 'justify-end' : 'justify-start'}`}>
+                                  <p
+                                    className={`font-serif font-normal text-[12px] leading-[16px] ${
+                                      isOwn ? 'text-[#00293D]/70' : 'text-[#00293D]/50'
+                                    }`}
+                                  >
+                                    {formatMessageTime(message.createdAt)}
+                                  </p>
+                                  {isOwn && (
+                                    <span className={`text-[10px] ${message.status === 'READ' ? 'text-blue-500' : 'text-[#00293D]/50'}`}>
+                                      {message.status === 'READ' ? '✓✓' : message.status === 'DELIVERED' ? '✓✓' : '✓'}
+                                    </span>
+                                  )}
+                                </div>
+                              </div>
+                            </div>
+                          );
+                        })}
+
+                        {/* Typing indicator in messages */}
+                        {typingUserNames.length > 0 && (
+                          <div className="flex justify-start">
+                            <div className="bg-[#00293d]/10 text-[#00293D] rounded-[15px] px-4 py-3">
+                              <div className="flex items-center gap-1">
+                                <span className="w-2 h-2 bg-[#00293D]/50 rounded-full animate-bounce" style={{ animationDelay: '0ms' }} />
+                                <span className="w-2 h-2 bg-[#00293D]/50 rounded-full animate-bounce" style={{ animationDelay: '150ms' }} />
+                                <span className="w-2 h-2 bg-[#00293D]/50 rounded-full animate-bounce" style={{ animationDelay: '300ms' }} />
+                              </div>
+                            </div>
+                          </div>
+                        )}
+
+                        <div ref={messagesEndRef} />
+                      </div>
+                    </div>
+                  )}
+
+                  {/* Scroll to bottom button */}
                   {showScrollButton && (
                     <button
                       onClick={scrollToBottom}
@@ -427,11 +647,22 @@ export function MessagingPage({
                 </div>
 
                 {/* Message input */}
-                <MessageInput onSend={handleSendMessage} />
+                <MessageInput
+                  onSend={handleSendMessage}
+                  onTypingStart={handleTypingStart}
+                  onTypingStop={handleTypingStop}
+                />
               </>
             ) : (
-              <div className="flex items-center justify-center h-full text-[#00293D]/50 font-serif">
-                Select a conversation to start messaging
+              <div className="flex items-center justify-center h-full text-[#00293D]/50 font-serif flex-col gap-4">
+                <Image
+                  src="/assets/icons/message-icon.svg"
+                  alt="Messages"
+                  width={64}
+                  height={64}
+                  className="opacity-30"
+                />
+                <p>Select a conversation to start messaging</p>
               </div>
             )}
           </div>
diff --git a/src/hooks/useMessaging.ts b/src/hooks/useMessaging.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3d0e026
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/hooks/useMessaging.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,462 @@
+'use client';
+
+import { useState, useEffect, useCallback, useRef } from 'react';
+import { useSession } from 'next-auth/react';
+import { socketService, messagesService } from '@/services';
+import type {
+  Conversation,
+  Message,
+  CreateMessageDto,
+  TypingIndicator,
+  UserStatusChange,
+  MessagesReadEvent,
+  MessageType,
+  MessageStatus,
+} from '@/types/messaging';
+
+interface UseMessagingOptions {
+  autoConnect?: boolean;
+}
+
+interface UseMessagingReturn {
+  // State
+  conversations: Conversation[];
+  currentConversation: Conversation | null;
+  messages: Message[];
+  isConnected: boolean;
+  isLoading: boolean;
+  isLoadingMessages: boolean;
+  typingUsers: Set<string>;
+  unreadCount: number;
+
+  // Actions
+  connect: () => Promise<void>;
+  disconnect: () => void;
+  loadConversations: () => Promise<void>;
+  selectConversation: (conversationId: string) => Promise<void>;
+  startConversation: (agentProfileId: string) => Promise<Conversation>;
+  sendMessage: (content: string, messageType?: MessageType) => Promise<void>;
+  loadMoreMessages: () => Promise<void>;
+  startTyping: () => void;
+  stopTyping: () => void;
+  markAsRead: () => Promise<void>;
+  updateUserStatus: (userId: string, isOnline: boolean) => void;
+  hasMoreMessages: boolean;
+}
+
+export function useMessaging(options: UseMessagingOptions = {}): UseMessagingReturn {
+  const { autoConnect = true } = options;
+  const { data: session } = useSession();
+
+  // State
+  const [conversations, setConversations] = useState<Conversation[]>([]);
+  const [currentConversation, setCurrentConversation] = useState<Conversation | null>(null);
+  const [messages, setMessages] = useState<Message[]>([]);
+  const [isConnected, setIsConnected] = useState(false);
+  const [isLoading, setIsLoading] = useState(false);
+  const [isLoadingMessages, setIsLoadingMessages] = useState(false);
+  const [typingUsers, setTypingUsers] = useState<Set<string>>(new Set());
+  const [unreadCount, setUnreadCount] = useState(0);
+  const [currentPage, setCurrentPage] = useState(1);
+  const [hasMoreMessages, setHasMoreMessages] = useState(true);
+
+  // Refs
+  const typingTimeoutRef = useRef<NodeJS.Timeout | null>(null);
+  const currentConversationIdRef = useRef<string | null>(null);
+  const isInitializedRef = useRef(false);
+
+  // Get access token from session
+  const accessToken = session?.user?.accessToken;
+
+  // Connect to WebSocket
+  const connect = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (!accessToken) {
+      console.warn('No access token available for socket connection');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      await socketService.connect(accessToken);
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error('Failed to connect to socket:', error);
+    }
+  }, [accessToken]);
+
+  // Disconnect from WebSocket
+  const disconnect = useCallback(() => {
+    socketService.disconnect();
+  }, []);
+
+  // Load conversations
+  const loadConversations = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (!accessToken) return;
+
+    setIsLoading(true);
+    try {
+      const data = await messagesService.getConversations();
+      setConversations(data);
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error('Failed to load conversations:', error);
+    } finally {
+      setIsLoading(false);
+    }
+  }, [accessToken]);
+
+  // Select a conversation and load its messages
+  const selectConversation = useCallback(
+    async (conversationId: string) => {
+      if (currentConversationIdRef.current === conversationId) return;
+
+      // Leave previous conversation room
+      if (currentConversationIdRef.current) {
+        socketService.leaveConversation(currentConversationIdRef.current);
+      }
+
+      currentConversationIdRef.current = conversationId;
+      setCurrentPage(1);
+      setHasMoreMessages(true);
+      setMessages([]);
+      setTypingUsers(new Set());
+      setIsLoadingMessages(true);
+
+      try {
+        // Get conversation details
+        const conversation = await messagesService.getConversation(conversationId);
+        setCurrentConversation(conversation);
+
+        // Join WebSocket room
+        if (isConnected) {
+          await socketService.joinConversation(conversationId);
+        }
+
+        // Load messages
+        const { messages: loadedMessages, pagination } =
+          await messagesService.getMessages(conversationId, 1, 50);
+        setMessages(loadedMessages);
+        setHasMoreMessages(pagination.page < pagination.pages);
+
+        // Mark as read
+        await messagesService.markAsRead(conversationId);
+
+        // Update unread count in conversations list
+        setConversations((prev) =>
+          prev.map((c) => (c.id === conversationId ? { ...c, unreadCount: 0 } : c))
+        );
+      } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Failed to load conversation:', error);
+      } finally {
+        setIsLoadingMessages(false);
+      }
+    },
+    [isConnected]
+  );
+
+  // Start a new conversation with an agent
+  const startConversation = useCallback(
+    async (agentProfileId: string): Promise<Conversation> => {
+      const conversation = await messagesService.startConversation(agentProfileId);
+
+      // Add to conversations list if not exists
+      setConversations((prev) => {
+        const exists = prev.some((c) => c.id === conversation.id);
+        if (exists) return prev;
+        return [conversation, ...prev];
+      });
+
+      return conversation;
+    },
+    []
+  );
+
+  // Send a message
+  const sendMessage = useCallback(
+    async (content: string, messageType: MessageType = 'TEXT' as MessageType) => {
+      if (!currentConversationIdRef.current) return;
+
+      const dto: CreateMessageDto = {
+        content,
+        messageType,
+      };
+
+      // Stop typing indicator
+      if (typingTimeoutRef.current) {
+        clearTimeout(typingTimeoutRef.current);
+        typingTimeoutRef.current = null;
+      }
+      socketService.stopTyping(currentConversationIdRef.current);
+
+      // Try WebSocket first, fallback to REST
+      if (isConnected) {
+        const result = await socketService.sendMessage(
+          currentConversationIdRef.current,
+          dto
+        );
+        if (result.success && result.message) {
+          // Immediately update UI with the sent message (optimistic update)
+          setMessages((prev) => {
+            // Avoid duplicates (in case broadcast also arrives)
+            if (prev.some((m) => m.id === result.message!.id)) return prev;
+            return [...prev, result.message!];
+          });
+        } else if (!result.success) {
+          // Fallback to REST
+          const message = await messagesService.sendMessage(
+            currentConversationIdRef.current,
+            dto
+          );
+          setMessages((prev) => [...prev, message]);
+        }
+      } else {
+        // REST fallback
+        const message = await messagesService.sendMessage(
+          currentConversationIdRef.current,
+          dto
+        );
+        setMessages((prev) => [...prev, message]);
+      }
+
+      // Update conversation in list
+      const conversationId = currentConversationIdRef.current;
+      setConversations((prev) =>
+        prev.map((c) =>
+          c.id === conversationId
+            ? {
+                ...c,
+                lastMessageAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+                lastMessageText:
+                  content.length > 255 ? content.substring(0, 252) + '...' : content,
+              }
+            : c
+        )
+      );
+    },
+    [isConnected]
+  );
+
+  // Load more messages (pagination) with debouncing for smooth scrolling
+  const loadMoreMessages = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (!currentConversationIdRef.current || !hasMoreMessages || isLoadingMessages)
+      return;
+
+    setIsLoadingMessages(true);
+    try {
+      const nextPage = currentPage + 1;
+      const { messages: moreMessages, pagination } = await messagesService.getMessages(
+        currentConversationIdRef.current,
+        nextPage,
+        50
+      );
+
+      // Prepend older messages smoothly
+      setMessages((prev) => [...moreMessages, ...prev]);
+      setCurrentPage(nextPage);
+      setHasMoreMessages(pagination.page < pagination.pages);
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error('Failed to load more messages:', error);
+    } finally {
+      setIsLoadingMessages(false);
+    }
+  }, [currentPage, hasMoreMessages, isLoadingMessages]);
+
+  // Start typing indicator
+  const startTyping = useCallback(() => {
+    if (!currentConversationIdRef.current) return;
+
+    socketService.startTyping(currentConversationIdRef.current);
+
+    // Clear previous timeout
+    if (typingTimeoutRef.current) {
+      clearTimeout(typingTimeoutRef.current);
+    }
+
+    // Auto-stop typing after 3 seconds
+    typingTimeoutRef.current = setTimeout(() => {
+      if (currentConversationIdRef.current) {
+        socketService.stopTyping(currentConversationIdRef.current);
+      }
+    }, 3000);
+  }, []);
+
+  // Stop typing indicator
+  const stopTyping = useCallback(() => {
+    if (!currentConversationIdRef.current) return;
+
+    if (typingTimeoutRef.current) {
+      clearTimeout(typingTimeoutRef.current);
+      typingTimeoutRef.current = null;
+    }
+    socketService.stopTyping(currentConversationIdRef.current);
+  }, []);
+
+  // Mark messages as read
+  const markAsRead = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (!currentConversationIdRef.current) return;
+
+    if (isConnected) {
+      await socketService.markAsRead(currentConversationIdRef.current);
+    } else {
+      await messagesService.markAsRead(currentConversationIdRef.current);
+    }
+  }, [isConnected]);
+
+  // Update user online status (called from status change events)
+  const updateUserStatus = useCallback((userId: string, isOnline: boolean) => {
+    setConversations((prev) =>
+      prev.map((c) => {
+        if (c.otherParty.userId === userId || c.otherParty.id === userId) {
+          return {
+            ...c,
+            otherParty: { ...c.otherParty, isOnline },
+          };
+        }
+        return c;
+      })
+    );
+
+    // Update current conversation if applicable
+    setCurrentConversation((prev) => {
+      if (!prev) return prev;
+      if (
+        prev.otherParty.userId === userId ||
+        prev.otherParty.id === userId
+      ) {
+        return {
+          ...prev,
+          otherParty: { ...prev.otherParty, isOnline },
+        };
+      }
+      return prev;
+    });
+  }, []);
+
+  // Set up socket event listeners
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const unsubscribeConnection = socketService.onConnectionChange((connected) => {
+      setIsConnected(connected);
+    });
+
+    const unsubscribeMessage = socketService.onNewMessage((message) => {
+      // Only add if it's for the current conversation
+      if (message.conversationId === currentConversationIdRef.current) {
+        setMessages((prev) => {
+          // Avoid duplicates
+          if (prev.some((m) => m.id === message.id)) return prev;
+          return [...prev, message];
+        });
+      }
+
+      // Update conversation list
+      setConversations((prev) =>
+        prev.map((c) => {
+          if (c.id === message.conversationId) {
+            const isCurrentConversation =
+              c.id === currentConversationIdRef.current;
+            return {
+              ...c,
+              lastMessageAt: message.createdAt,
+              lastMessageText: message.content.substring(0, 255),
+              unreadCount: isCurrentConversation ? 0 : c.unreadCount + 1,
+            };
+          }
+          return c;
+        })
+      );
+    });
+
+    const unsubscribeTypingStart = socketService.onTypingStart(
+      (data: TypingIndicator) => {
+        if (data.conversationId === currentConversationIdRef.current) {
+          setTypingUsers((prev) => new Set(prev).add(data.userId));
+        }
+      }
+    );
+
+    const unsubscribeTypingStop = socketService.onTypingStop(
+      (data: TypingIndicator) => {
+        if (data.conversationId === currentConversationIdRef.current) {
+          setTypingUsers((prev) => {
+            const next = new Set(prev);
+            next.delete(data.userId);
+            return next;
+          });
+        }
+      }
+    );
+
+    const unsubscribeStatus = socketService.onUserStatusChange(
+      (data: UserStatusChange) => {
+        updateUserStatus(data.userId, data.isOnline);
+      }
+    );
+
+    const unsubscribeRead = socketService.onMessagesRead(
+      (data: MessagesReadEvent) => {
+        if (data.conversationId === currentConversationIdRef.current) {
+          // Update message statuses
+          setMessages((prev) =>
+            prev.map((m) => ({
+              ...m,
+              status: 'READ' as MessageStatus,
+              readAt: data.readAt,
+            }))
+          );
+        }
+      }
+    );
+
+    return () => {
+      unsubscribeConnection();
+      unsubscribeMessage();
+      unsubscribeTypingStart();
+      unsubscribeTypingStop();
+      unsubscribeStatus();
+      unsubscribeRead();
+    };
+  }, [updateUserStatus]);
+
+  // Auto-connect on mount
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (autoConnect && accessToken && !isInitializedRef.current) {
+      isInitializedRef.current = true;
+      connect();
+      loadConversations();
+
+      // Get initial unread count
+      messagesService.getUnreadCount().then(setUnreadCount).catch(console.error);
+    }
+
+    // Don't disconnect on cleanup - socket is singleton and should stay connected
+    // Disconnect only happens when user logs out (handled elsewhere)
+    // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
+  }, [autoConnect, accessToken]);
+
+  // Re-join conversation room when reconnecting
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (isConnected && currentConversationIdRef.current) {
+      socketService.joinConversation(currentConversationIdRef.current);
+    }
+  }, [isConnected]);
+
+  return {
+    conversations,
+    currentConversation,
+    messages,
+    isConnected,
+    isLoading,
+    isLoadingMessages,
+    typingUsers,
+    unreadCount,
+    connect,
+    disconnect,
+    loadConversations,
+    selectConversation,
+    startConversation,
+    sendMessage,
+    loadMoreMessages,
+    startTyping,
+    stopTyping,
+    markAsRead,
+    updateUserStatus,
+    hasMoreMessages,
+  };
+}
diff --git a/src/services/index.ts b/src/services/index.ts
index 2e217a8..21047a8 100644
--- a/src/services/index.ts
+++ b/src/services/index.ts
@@ -47,3 +47,7 @@ export type {
   TwoFactorLoginResponse,
   TwoFactorRequiredResponse,
 } from './two-factor.service';
+
+// Messaging Services
+export { socketService } from './socket.service';
+export { messagesService } from './messages.service';
diff --git a/src/services/messages.service.ts b/src/services/messages.service.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c9fc188
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/services/messages.service.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+import api from './api';
+import type {
+  Conversation,
+  Message,
+  MessagesResponse,
+  CreateMessageDto,
+} from '@/types/messaging';
+
+interface ApiResponse<T> {
+  success: boolean;
+  data: T;
+  timestamp: string;
+}
+
+class MessagesService {
+  /**
+   * Get all conversations for the current user
+   */
+  async getConversations(): Promise<Conversation[]> {
+    const response = await api.get<ApiResponse<Conversation[]>>('/messages/conversations');
+    return response.data.data;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Start or get existing conversation with an agent
+   */
+  async startConversation(agentProfileId: string): Promise<Conversation> {
+    const response = await api.post<ApiResponse<Conversation>>('/messages/conversations', {
+      agentProfileId,
+    });
+    return response.data.data;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get a specific conversation
+   */
+  async getConversation(conversationId: string): Promise<Conversation> {
+    const response = await api.get<ApiResponse<Conversation>>(
+      `/messages/conversations/${conversationId}`
+    );
+    return response.data.data;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get messages for a conversation with pagination
+   */
+  async getMessages(
+    conversationId: string,
+    page: number = 1,
+    limit: number = 50
+  ): Promise<MessagesResponse> {
+    const response = await api.get<ApiResponse<MessagesResponse>>(
+      `/messages/conversations/${conversationId}/messages`,
+      { params: { page, limit } }
+    );
+    return response.data.data;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Send a message via REST API (fallback for WebSocket)
+   */
+  async sendMessage(conversationId: string, dto: CreateMessageDto): Promise<Message> {
+    const response = await api.post<ApiResponse<Message>>(
+      `/messages/conversations/${conversationId}/messages`,
+      dto
+    );
+    return response.data.data;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Mark all messages in a conversation as read
+   */
+  async markAsRead(conversationId: string): Promise<void> {
+    await api.patch(`/messages/conversations/${conversationId}/read`);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get total unread message count
+   */
+  async getUnreadCount(): Promise<number> {
+    const response = await api.get<ApiResponse<{ unreadCount: number }>>('/messages/unread-count');
+    return response.data.data.unreadCount;
+  }
+}
+
+export const messagesService = new MessagesService();
diff --git a/src/services/socket.service.ts b/src/services/socket.service.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a003a69
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/services/socket.service.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,234 @@
+import { io, Socket } from 'socket.io-client';
+import type {
+  Message,
+  TypingIndicator,
+  UserStatusChange,
+  MessagesReadEvent,
+  CreateMessageDto,
+} from '@/types/messaging';
+
+type MessageHandler = (message: Message) => void;
+type TypingHandler = (data: TypingIndicator) => void;
+type StatusHandler = (data: UserStatusChange) => void;
+type ReadHandler = (data: MessagesReadEvent) => void;
+
+class SocketService {
+  private socket: Socket | null = null;
+  private reconnectAttempts = 0;
+  private maxReconnectAttempts = 5;
+  private messageHandlers: Set<MessageHandler> = new Set();
+  private typingStartHandlers: Set<TypingHandler> = new Set();
+  private typingStopHandlers: Set<TypingHandler> = new Set();
+  private statusHandlers: Set<StatusHandler> = new Set();
+  private readHandlers: Set<ReadHandler> = new Set();
+  private connectionHandlers: Set<(connected: boolean) => void> = new Set();
+  private isConnecting = false;
+
+  connect(token: string): Promise<void> {
+    return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
+      // Already connected
+      if (this.socket?.connected) {
+        resolve();
+        return;
+      }
+
+      // Already connecting
+      if (this.isConnecting) {
+        // Wait for existing connection attempt
+        const checkConnection = setInterval(() => {
+          if (this.socket?.connected) {
+            clearInterval(checkConnection);
+            resolve();
+          }
+        }, 100);
+        setTimeout(() => {
+          clearInterval(checkConnection);
+          if (!this.socket?.connected) {
+            reject(new Error('Connection timeout'));
+          }
+        }, 10000);
+        return;
+      }
+
+      this.isConnecting = true;
+
+      // Clean up existing socket if any (but not if it's connecting)
+      if (this.socket && !this.socket.connected) {
+        this.socket.removeAllListeners();
+        this.socket.disconnect();
+        this.socket = null;
+      }
+
+      // Extract base URL without /api/v1 path for Socket.io connection
+      const apiUrl = process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL || 'http://localhost:4000';
+      const baseUrl = apiUrl.replace(/\/api\/v1\/?$/, '');
+
+      this.socket = io(baseUrl, {
+        auth: { token },
+        transports: ['websocket', 'polling'],
+        reconnection: true,
+        reconnectionAttempts: this.maxReconnectAttempts,
+        reconnectionDelay: 1000,
+        reconnectionDelayMax: 5000,
+      });
+
+      this.socket.on('connect', () => {
+        console.log('Socket connected:', this.socket?.id);
+        this.isConnecting = false;
+        this.reconnectAttempts = 0;
+        this.notifyConnectionHandlers(true);
+        resolve();
+      });
+
+      this.socket.on('disconnect', (reason) => {
+        console.log('Socket disconnected:', reason);
+        this.isConnecting = false;
+        this.notifyConnectionHandlers(false);
+      });
+
+      this.socket.on('connect_error', (error) => {
+        console.error('Socket connection error:', error.message);
+        this.isConnecting = false;
+        this.reconnectAttempts++;
+        if (this.reconnectAttempts >= this.maxReconnectAttempts) {
+          reject(new Error('Max reconnection attempts reached'));
+        }
+      });
+
+      // Set up event listeners
+      this.socket.on('new_message', (message: Message) => {
+        this.messageHandlers.forEach((handler) => handler(message));
+      });
+
+      this.socket.on('typing_start', (data: TypingIndicator) => {
+        this.typingStartHandlers.forEach((handler) => handler(data));
+      });
+
+      this.socket.on('typing_stop', (data: TypingIndicator) => {
+        this.typingStopHandlers.forEach((handler) => handler(data));
+      });
+
+      this.socket.on('user_status_change', (data: UserStatusChange) => {
+        this.statusHandlers.forEach((handler) => handler(data));
+      });
+
+      this.socket.on('messages_read', (data: MessagesReadEvent) => {
+        this.readHandlers.forEach((handler) => handler(data));
+      });
+    });
+  }
+
+  disconnect(): void {
+    if (this.socket) {
+      this.socket.disconnect();
+      this.socket = null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  isConnected(): boolean {
+    return this.socket?.connected || false;
+  }
+
+  // Room management
+  joinConversation(conversationId: string): Promise<{ success: boolean; error?: string }> {
+    return new Promise((resolve) => {
+      if (!this.socket) {
+        resolve({ success: false, error: 'Not connected' });
+        return;
+      }
+      this.socket.emit('join_conversation', { conversationId }, (response: { success: boolean; error?: string }) => {
+        resolve(response);
+      });
+    });
+  }
+
+  leaveConversation(conversationId: string): void {
+    if (this.socket) {
+      this.socket.emit('leave_conversation', { conversationId });
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Messaging
+  sendMessage(
+    conversationId: string,
+    message: CreateMessageDto
+  ): Promise<{ success: boolean; message?: Message; error?: string }> {
+    return new Promise((resolve) => {
+      if (!this.socket) {
+        resolve({ success: false, error: 'Not connected' });
+        return;
+      }
+      this.socket.emit(
+        'send_message',
+        { conversationId, message },
+        (response: { success: boolean; message?: Message; error?: string }) => {
+          resolve(response);
+        }
+      );
+    });
+  }
+
+  // Typing indicators
+  startTyping(conversationId: string): void {
+    if (this.socket) {
+      this.socket.emit('typing_start', { conversationId });
+    }
+  }
+
+  stopTyping(conversationId: string): void {
+    if (this.socket) {
+      this.socket.emit('typing_stop', { conversationId });
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Mark messages as read
+  markAsRead(conversationId: string): Promise<{ success: boolean; error?: string }> {
+    return new Promise((resolve) => {
+      if (!this.socket) {
+        resolve({ success: false, error: 'Not connected' });
+        return;
+      }
+      this.socket.emit('mark_read', { conversationId }, (response: { success: boolean; error?: string }) => {
+        resolve(response);
+      });
+    });
+  }
+
+  // Event handlers registration
+  onNewMessage(handler: MessageHandler): () => void {
+    this.messageHandlers.add(handler);
+    return () => this.messageHandlers.delete(handler);
+  }
+
+  onTypingStart(handler: TypingHandler): () => void {
+    this.typingStartHandlers.add(handler);
+    return () => this.typingStartHandlers.delete(handler);
+  }
+
+  onTypingStop(handler: TypingHandler): () => void {
+    this.typingStopHandlers.add(handler);
+    return () => this.typingStopHandlers.delete(handler);
+  }
+
+  onUserStatusChange(handler: StatusHandler): () => void {
+    this.statusHandlers.add(handler);
+    return () => this.statusHandlers.delete(handler);
+  }
+
+  onMessagesRead(handler: ReadHandler): () => void {
+    this.readHandlers.add(handler);
+    return () => this.readHandlers.delete(handler);
+  }
+
+  onConnectionChange(handler: (connected: boolean) => void): () => void {
+    this.connectionHandlers.add(handler);
+    return () => this.connectionHandlers.delete(handler);
+  }
+
+  private notifyConnectionHandlers(connected: boolean): void {
+    this.connectionHandlers.forEach((handler) => handler(connected));
+  }
+}
+
+// Singleton instance
+export const socketService = new SocketService();
diff --git a/src/types/messaging.ts b/src/types/messaging.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dbdfa86
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/types/messaging.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+export enum MessageType {
+  TEXT = 'TEXT',
+  FILE = 'FILE',
+  IMAGE = 'IMAGE',
+  SYSTEM = 'SYSTEM',
+}
+
+export enum MessageStatus {
+  SENT = 'SENT',
+  DELIVERED = 'DELIVERED',
+  READ = 'READ',
+}
+
+export interface OtherParty {
+  id: string;
+  userId?: string;
+  name: string;
+  avatar?: string | null;
+  headline?: string;
+  isOnline: boolean;
+  lastSeenAt?: string | null;
+}
+
+export interface Conversation {
+  id: string;
+  userId: string;
+  agentProfileId: string;
+  lastMessageAt: string | null;
+  lastMessageText: string | null;
+  userUnreadCount: number;
+  agentUnreadCount: number;
+  unreadCount: number;
+  createdAt: string;
+  updatedAt: string;
+  otherParty: OtherParty;
+  messages?: Message[];
+}
+
+export interface MessageSender {
+  id: string;
+  role: string;
+  userProfile?: {
+    firstName: string | null;
+    lastName: string | null;
+    avatar: string | null;
+  };
+  agentProfile?: {
+    firstName: string | null;
+    lastName: string | null;
+    avatar: string | null;
+  };
+}
+
+export interface Message {
+  id: string;
+  conversationId: string;
+  senderId: string;
+  content: string;
+  messageType: MessageType;
+  fileUrl?: string | null;
+  fileName?: string | null;
+  fileSize?: number | null;
+  mimeType?: string | null;
+  status: MessageStatus;
+  deliveredAt?: string | null;
+  readAt?: string | null;
+  createdAt: string;
+  updatedAt: string;
+  sender: MessageSender;
+}
+
+export interface CreateMessageDto {
+  content: string;
+  messageType?: MessageType;
+  fileUrl?: string;
+  fileName?: string;
+  fileSize?: number;
+  mimeType?: string;
+}
+
+export interface TypingIndicator {
+  userId: string;
+  conversationId: string;
+}
+
+export interface UserStatusChange {
+  userId: string;
+  isOnline: boolean;
+  lastSeenAt?: string | null;
+}
+
+export interface MessagesReadEvent {
+  conversationId: string;
+  readBy: string;
+  readAt: string;
+}
+
+export interface PaginationInfo {
+  page: number;
+  limit: number;
+  total: number;
+  pages: number;
+}
+
+export interface MessagesResponse {
+  messages: Message[];
+  pagination: PaginationInfo;
+}